Book Review: Service (Propria) for Saint Alice, Empress of All Russia, born Heterodox as Alix, converted to Orthodoxy as Alexandra F. Romanova (Orginal; Ἀκολουθία εἰς Ἁγίαν Ἀλίκην, τὴν Πασῶν τῶν Ῥωσσιῶν Αὐτοκράτειραν, Ἑτερόδοξον μὲν Γεννηθεῖσαν Ἀλίκην, Ὀρθόδοξον δὲ Γενομένην Ἀλεξάνδραν Φ. Ῥομάνοβαν)

Abstract

A critical and thorough review of the book of Dr Alicia Maravelia and of her musical CD (with the Cantor Mr Athanasios Daskalothanasis) is presented. The book is a rare example of Orthodox Hymnography and composition of Byzantine Music written by a woman, following the tradition and norms of the Orthodox Church. It is dedicated to the celebration of the Feast of Saint Alice (Alix/Alexandra F. Romanova), last Empress of Russia and Passion–Bearer Saint and Martyr. The CD contains select hymns chanted by Mr Athanasios Daskalothanasis and a musicological analysis booklet of more than 50 pages, with introductory text. A short description and musicological analysis of her talented works are given, with several comments on the Oktoechos and comparisons to the Ottoman and Arabic Music and Ways (Maqam).